Arizona defenseman Travis Dermott made quite the statement during the Coyotes’ home opener on Saturday afternoon. In addition to a shot on goal and two penalty minutes, Dermott displayed a subtle message with a small amount of rainbow-colored Pride Tape on his stick during the Coyotes’ 2-1 win.
A photo captured Dermott’s act of defiance, which goes against a recent NHL ruling that restricts the use of Pride Tape and other themed displays on the ice. In response, the league stated that they will review Dermott’s action at a later time.
“According to the Associated Press, the updated guidance from the NHL prohibits players from altering their uniforms and gear to reflect theme nights such as Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer, or military appreciation celebrations. However, players are allowed to voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.
The Coyotes’ Pride Night is scheduled for October 27th against the Los Angeles Kings.
The league’s policy has faced backlash, and Dermott garnered praise from one of the major critics. Brian Burke, a former league and team executive, commended Dermott’s courageous allyship in the LGBTQ+ community and expressed hope that other players would follow suit on Twitter.
The creators of Pride Tape also acknowledged Dermott’s actions on Twitter, thanking him for his leadership and use of their product during the game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coyotes’ Travis Dermott uses Pride Tape in defiance of NHL policy
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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